Modern Manners: Elevator Etiquette

1. LADIES FIRST

Dear gentlemen, before you enter or exit the elevator please allow your fellow lady passengers to go before you. It's plain and simple decorum. End of story.

2. ZIP THE LIP

When in doubt, zip your lip. Elevator rides are not meant for cell phone conversations. I think I speak for 99 percent of your fellow elevator passengers when I say don't to want to hear you talk to your Aunt Gertrude about her hip replacement. Also, if you are in the elevator with co-workers or friends, keep your noise to a minimum (or honestly, just stop talking) and consider what you are speaking about. No office gossip, F-bombs, and think before you speak.

3. MOVE TO THE BACK

When entering the elevator move to the back so that everyone can file in in an orderly fashion.

4. LE SNACK

Pick up a tasty treat at Payard during your lunch break? That's great, and you should enjoy every morsel of that delicious bite... in the privacy of your own office. It is rude (and just well.. gross) to snack on your food in a crowded elevator.

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5. REMEMBER THERE IS A CAMERA

Is your honey visiting from out of town and you finally have what you think is a private moment? Are you adjusting your Oscar de la Renta cropped bolero in the elevator mirror? Just keep in mind ladies and gents, there is a camera in there. So act like a decent human being.

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6. "CAN YOU HOLD THE DOOR PLEASE?"

For safety purposes, just don't be the person that says this. There are too many horror tales of fatal accidents occurring while someone is trying to hold the elevator door open for another passenger. Simply wait your turn for the next elevator to come.

7. THE EXIT STRATEGY

In the back of the elevator and your stop is next? No worries, simply educate your other passengers by saying "Pardon me, this is my floor." And when they step aside, say thank you!

8. PLAIN OLD PLEASANT

In the elevator with others in your apartment or office building. We encourage you to use the following pleasantries "Good morning!" "Have a great day!" "Good Evening!". Because kindness always counts and makes the world a better place.